Well, we finally have a name! Thank God. Duchess Kate and Prince William waited more than a full two days after Kate gave birth to release the name and it’s…
Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.
I feel like that’s a suggestion I made months ago. Yes, it was. Charlotte works as a reference to Prince Charles (“Charlotte” is the feminized Charles) and a reference to Kate’s sister Pippa, whose middle name is Charlotte. Elizabeth is for the Queen, obviously. And Diana for William’s late mother. So she’s little HRH Princess Charlotte of Cambridge. Sounds nice.
I’m happy that they didn’t put Diana up front. I think that would have been too much, and that was my biggest fear as the Great Name Wait carried on through the hours. I think Charlotte Elizabeth Diana works on every level, so much so that it’s a bit obvious and boring. But still… I do love the name Charlotte. I wonder if they’ll call her “Charlie”?
Incidentally, it seems that once again, Carole Middleton and Pippa Middleton got to meet the little princess before Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. Carole was seen driving to Kensington Palace more than an hour before Charles and Camilla arrived. Michael Middleton also arrived separately from his wife, and later than Carole. The Daily Beast had an article about this dynamic, and how Kate is “Middleton-izing” the royal family, as in she’s bringing her “middle class values” and middle class standards to the royals. You can read the piece here.
Photos courtesy of WENN, Fame/flynet.
Yes! I picked it! I said she would be Charlotte, with Diana in there somewhere as a middle name!! Woohoo! 🙂
LoL. The bets were all between Alice and Charlotte. Limited options in this family.
Along with many others, I correctly predicted the middle names Elizabeth Diana.
Yep, me, too! I had all three names, in the right order! Wasn’t hard, considering the options were few.😊 Little Charlotte will have a charmed life.
I like it! And I’m glad Diana is in there. I’m surprised it was allowed.
Ditto. Glad to see Diana in there. Here’s to hoping the little one resembles that branch of William’s family!
Me too. I love all of her names.
Agree!
I love it, and I’m glad they honored Diana as well.
it is a nice name but utterly boring. then again they don’t have a lot of wiggle room, I guess. I just hoped to see a teeny tiny creative spark from this couple. alas…
I think it was “allowed” because William put his foot down and insisted. Good for him.
+1
Me, too! I’d guessed Charlotte Elizabeth Frances, since I thought Diana wouldn’t get in there!
I think it was allowed because it would have been much more obvious and discussed if it was not allowed. This way it kind of goes away.
Cute kid, nice name.
I think it’s fine that Diana was so honored, and being the last of the spate of names it’s not prominent. She’ll be known as Charlotte or some such derivative. Unfortunately, this little princess will still be compared to Diana with or without her bearing the name.
I like it, love that they honored so many, and included Diana but didn’t have that as the first name. Good job! And Charlotte is my favorite name for a girl. Yay!
At least I got the ‘Elizabeth’ right. lol It’s so nice they got Diana in there.
Lovely name.
Beautiful. Has almost a musical ring to it. Her Royal Highness, Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.
I think so too. It was my favorite for George if he’d have been a girl too.
I really, really, REALLY hate the name Charlotte. I just don’t like it. If it was me, I’d have named her Lilibet Diana, and be done with it (or maybe the other way around).
That kid’s going to be seen as the granddaughter of Diana for the rest of her life, so I don’t see as a faux pas to name her after her grandmother. Or maybe something to do with her Spencer name…….
I don’t hate the name Charlotte, but it always conjures up Charlotte’s Web.
Char Char! Makes me think of Charlotte from SATC haha.
LOL. Same for me – Charlotte’s web and Charlotte from SATC. May the little princess have a long and colorful life.
Lilibet? Eew! Just…no.
Lilibet was Queen Elizabeth’s pet name as a child as she couldn’t say “Elizabeth” and it just stuck. It wouldn’t have been appropriate for the baby though.
I’m an Elizabeth and a younger sibling called me lilibet (couldn’t say Elizabeth). I still love it ☺️
I think Diana is polarizing. Some people love and saint her, others think she was manipulative and childish. YMMV.
Why saddle a baby who will never meet/know her with that? At least Charlotte is far enough in the royal line.
I’d hope William didn’t care about whether she was polarizing or not, and just wanted to honor his late mother in his daughter’s name.
Well, I think she was both–but it’s his mother! I’m not a royal, but if my mother died when I was very young, even though I don’t like her name (it’s one of the most common names in America, and I like exotic/weird names), I would name her after my mother! This poor baby is already going to be saddled with Diana’s ghost…….just wait until she becomes a preteen, teenager, and before that–it’ll be all about how much she looks like her grandmother at the same age. How, OOH LOOK! fashion twinsies!!! Any time she does anything charitable–she’s carrying on her grandmother’s work. Anytime she has boyfriend troubles, etc…….it’s going to happen….
This is such a hot topic here.
Yes, there’s nothing wrong in theory with using his late mothers name as his daughters middle name. In theory.
It’s that whenever William brings up his mother it’s in defense. Or tagging along with Harry who appears to actively honor his mother’s charities and causes.
Both boys had the same mother. Both use her memory in different ways. Had William done more honoring and less throwing the name around to suit his wants it might be different.
And yes. Already this child is going to be linked heavily to Diana. Every move, every choice, will be a part of Diana’s actions. “Charlotte visits X just like Diana”, “Charlotte makes late grandmmother proud by X”, “Charlotte takes after Diana’s style”.
And it’s already happening. Even before George was born.
And to avoid what happened elsewhere. This is my opinion and a topic well covered here. This is based with many examples and actions from both brothers.
FLORC
It is completely unfair to say William uses his mother’s legacy to suit his purposes while Harry honors it. It crosses the line into things we can not possibly know and maligns a man’s love for his late mother. William may be spoiled, lazy and entitled and may not be living up to Diana’s legacy but those are character flaws. It seems wrong to me to claim what you say as fact.
Imo
Well, it’s not fact. I made a point to state it was my opinion made by numerous occasions from both boys.
Though, from a public perspective. How many occasions has William/Harry in the past 5 years mentioned his mother in a way to remember and honor and in a way to excuse or defend themselves.
Harry’s Diana garden visit/dedication or whatever it formally was had all members of his family minus W&K there. Along with his several rarely covered charity visits to her charities and ofcourse the polo sentebale games.
William mentions his late mother for privacy demands. And not normal demands. Demands that seem odd to close oncce public areas. Or to restrict access while in public areas. Especially when they could use private areas and avoid all issues.
If i’m being vague I am citing specific cases.
And it does seem wrong. I’m not saying William doesn’t miss his mother, love her, and want to remember her. I’m not saying that at all I think. More that as far as how he acts in regards to Diana’s memory it’s only evoked to serve a purpose for him. Not in the same way as Harry seems to evoke her memory.
Wiliam mentioning Diana outside the walls of his privacy seems to more than often be followed with a demand. That is the case i’m making.
FLORC
Prince William’s coat of arms unveiled and pays tribute to Diana.
Prince William spearheads memorial tribute to honor Diana’s birthday.
William takes over Diana’s hospital trust – garnering a $30M donation from sponsors.
William pays tribute to the 15th anniversary of the Diana Awards – an anti-bullying campaign.
William spends the night in a homeless shelter to bring attention to homelessness, one of Diana’s causes.
William asks that donations be made to his foundation in lieu of wedding gifts in order to help continue Diana’s legacy
When visiting countries in an official capacity is always keen on telling his hosts how much Diana loved her time in said country.
William says he knows Diana was with him on his wedding day and was happy for him.
William pays tribute to Diana at his wedding dinner.
William proposes with Diana’s ring – says its ‘special’
It is possible that we see what we want to see and block out the rest.
+1 FLORC, I’ll second those opinions. William calls upon his mother’s memory to cover up his missteps (helicopter joyrides) or for good PR, uses her memory to make unlawful and unreasonable privacy demands, and dishonors her memory with his entitled attitude and minimal charity “work”.
The ring has been discussed many times. It was Harry’s and he was surprised on-camera by the news of the engagement and the use of the ring.
Imo
Much listed is imo greater to pr than anything. And I could argue a few points just as devil’s advocate here, but only as counter points. And I feel I need to repeat myself. I’m not saying William doesn’t miss and love his mother. The majority though or the main points or just using at all her name as a “let me have my way” is a bit much.
And I’d say William rarely attends those Diana events in comparrison to Harry, but William barely attends events in comparrison to many.
And the Ring. That’s still suspect for a few things that we’ll never know so i’m not assuming without evidence.
And the donations over gifts. That’s very custom. Not only would it been in poor taste to say they are accepting gifts from the public, but it was called for years it would be for a Diana charity. Just as Harry’s some day will be.
Even commoners do this. I can’t remember the last wedding that had a true registry and didn’t ask for a donation to a charity of your choosing from a list of charities of their choosing.
And are you speaking of Centrepoint? William slept outside with others, but well guarded and well lit to raise funds annually. Kate said she would also, but never returned interest after saying so at a party/gala.
Since then has there been anything?
I think it says more Harry is actively working in the trenchs like Diana did and when he’s caught in bad pr doesn’t bring up his mother’s memory. While William has mentioned Diana in speeches and made appearances at galas or the rare charity visit that doesn’t have a party planner it’s far from common.
By the numbers, by the circumstances, by the context it’s just not much.
IMO Ofcourse. And as a side point many here who have lost parents wouldn’t dream of speaking of them in a forum like William has for privacy. Especially when it’s a freedom of the press and they’re not threatening or invasive on the royals.
Nota
All those gifts William’s PR has (shockingly) admitted to receiving also. Forgot about those specifically(sp?).
And the ring? There seem to be too many conflicting timelines and statements. I think it’s fair to assume Harry like the Queen (end in tears comment) was unaware William and Kate would ever get back together or married. Especially his evaluation of a bachelor status for William. Not long before.
And i’m not made of stone. I’ve lost a parent at around that age and actually months after Diana past. And I couldn’t use their name in defense of my own entitled actions. Even if I felt I was deserving. It would be on me and not them. To bring her name up the way he has in court proceedings will forever appear to be in poor taste. I can’t imagine ever feeling his actions would be justified. Especially since he was ruled against and in the end wasn’t he warned to not try and restrict the rights of the press, but rather use all the privacy he’s given if it’s so valued?
Apologies if I don’t respond back.. Off to work soon.
Notasugar
‘Discussed here many times’ equals facts now?
Your intimation that Harry did not know William was going to propose with Diana’s ring is 100% your opinion and, imo, laughable. Harry told journalist Bob Woodward that William would have proposed two years earlier but the media hype was too much for him. I believe a Pulitzer prize winning journalist over your assertions. And bad form to make it seem as if William took Harry’s ring without his knowledge. Diana left it to Harry. Whatever arrangement William and Harry had was between them. But if you have insider knowledge please share.
William doesn’t do as much work as he should by a longshot but the staff and patients in the Marsden Cancer Center would strongly disagree that William dishonors Diana. The photographer Harry punched in the face might not give the same answer. People highlight only the facts that support their opinions or just make things up as they go along.
Diana would be incredibly proud of William and Harry. Harry just happens to have more of his mother’s compassion and work ethic.
Charlotte probably has light gray or blue eyes right now. That’s because most (98%) Caucasian babies are born with light gray or blue eyes. Their eye color can change as more melanin is deposited in the eye as they grow.
FLORC 11:26 -The baby boomers (Diana’s generation) have the strongest memories of Diana and therefore they are the ones who have the potential to link everything CED does to Diana. But I doubt media will be the source of that constant comparison because fifteen years from now or so when Charlotte starts doing a few public appearances, baby boomer media workers will be retired.
And I don’t know why my comment about eye color ended up here and also down below. Anyway it was a response to Citresse below.
IMO: when did Bob Woodward interview Harry?
As for Nota’s assertion regarding Harry saying the family was surprised, it’s on youtube from Harry’s own lips. He gave an interview to an american news show (the one hosted by Matt Lauer) a month before the wedding.
If he was interviewed by 2 different journalists and gave 2 very different answers, then it is Harry who is misleading the public who are quoting the very different answers.
And Diana didn’t leave the ring to Harry. Harry chose it as a keepsake momento after she died. How William ended up with it will always be between them.
IMO,
Several noted biographers of the boys reported that while yes, Harry got the ring, they agreed that whoever proposed first would use it. From that, I take it that Harry fully supported and knew that William was proposing since my guess is Harry had the ring in a safe and William needed Harry’s help to retrieve it. Sounds like it’s hardly stealing. (The *exact* timing of the proposal may have been a surprise but not the proposal itself).
William is indeed stubborn and doesn’t have the natural charm Harry does but I agree, I think both honour their mother in their own way. You did a fine job listing how William has honoured his mother. I think most importantly — shielding Kate from not only his family but the press honours Diana as well. ‘Never again’ has been his motto and that’s directly linked to his mother’s treatment from everyone. I think you’ll see the same protectiveness from Harry with his family.
LAK
The piece with Woodward was after Harry returned from an expedition and is on youtube. No one is saying Harry didn’t express surprise at the engagement. I take issue with notasugar hinting that William mysteriously got his hands on the ring.she seems to be stating one thing that is verifiable with another thing that is pure speculation hoping it is all accepted as fact.
Northstar
Agree, you are more eloquent than I am lol.
Harry’s on-camera surprise does not support assertions or what biographers (most of whom have no insider knowledge) might have written about how the ring came to be in William’s possession. Multiple people have referenced that, not just me.
There’s always more than one side to a story. A photographer hit Harry with a camera, Harry pushed back, and the camera cut the pap’s lip – according to the palace spokesperson and some of the pap’s quotes. Feel free to call me an apologist for referring to the palace’s version of the story.
LAK, I think that second interview was in the middle of WWTW, in the ice and snow. He probably figured he couldn’t evade the question but needed to suck it up for PR for WWTW.
William plays the press as much as Diana, as does the Middleton family. That is, I suppose, a way of honoring her – by mimicking that behavior. At the risk of repeating myself (hence the comment about things being discussed on here before), William’s press games didn’t start with his mother’s death. This “hate the press, keep everything secret, play games” attitude is a lifelong set of behaviors from him, not him gallantly protecting his wife and kids all of a sudden.
Also there are no conflicting stories about the ring. There is very little information but what info that is out there is not contradictory and does not support any theory that Harry didn’t know about/approve of the use of Diana’s ring.
I’m one of the latter and didn’t want to see the name in there at all. I’m glad it is only in as the Third name. Let the girl make her own mark and not live in Diana’s shadow.
Yes, there are conflicting stories about the ring, referenced by many people on here. You just stated that Diana willed Harry the ring when that isn’t true, which someone else pointed out.
I’m not referring to either of the above-mentioned interviews when I talk about on-camera surprise. It was the day the engagement was announced and a reporter got video of Harry surprised and swearing at the announcement and use of the ring. What he said later on camera in formal interviews is different.
Notasugarhere,
Biographers don’t have insider information — are you kidding? To be a good one MEANS you absolutely need insider information. Otherwise you’re a hack that’s simply speculating.
Seward, Morton, Junor, and Nicholls all have insider info (as do a few others) otherwise they wouldn’t be respected as either a Royal journalist or as a Royal biographer. And more than one wrote about the deal the boys had in regards to Diana’s ring. In fact, it was established after William & Kate got back together in 2007 that marriage was where they were headed. Only the timing needed to be worked out. Again, many noted Royal biographers (some of whom I’ve named) said that — so I’m not speculating. At all. My guess is William probably approached Harry as far back as that to ask if it was okay if he eventually gave Kate the ring. Clearly Harry agreed.
IMO,
You can tell who frequents the various social media sites (blogs/forums/websites) and only gets their info there. In that isolated world, ‘William stealing Harry’s ring’ is accepted as gospel. Facts (and respected biographers) be damned.
That also helps explain the William vs Harry idea too. They see them as in some kinda competition or battle when in reality — they are huge supporters of one another. It’s mind boggling weird, especially after you’ve read some very well researched biographies on the all the various Waleses.
Notasugar
Show me one published article that is contradictory or supports your negative view of how William got the ring. Established facts trumps your “he probably figured” any day of the week. As for the rest of your comments….what Northstar said.
Northstar
There you go with your facts again. When people keep rehashing the same old speculations they start to look and feel like the gospel truth. Unfortunately there are lurkers and newbies who don’t have other sources of royal info so they believe everything they read here and that’s not fair to them. Most here have well formed and well thought out opinions and ideas and many here are quite knowledgeable. You certainly seem to know your stuff – and not just from Celeb Dirty Laundry and the Daily Fail!
Yet some who take those writers as gospel dismiss Whittaker’s comments because they don’t like them. Like they dismiss Nicholl’s story about Kate Middleton bullying Beatrice because they don’t like it. Many people have questioned the ring story in this thread but only I am being addressed on it.
Watching W&H’s actions, I see Harry’s support of William. W’s support of Harry is a lot harder to find in his words and actions. Watching their actions and listening to their own words. ie. making up your own mind using primary sources. Not believing whatever might have been fed – with an agenda – to a writer.
IF the engagement was a done deal in 2007, which is in no way proven by any biographer, her waste of those years would be perceived as even worse by many. She did nothing but shop, vacation, and fall drunk out of clubs. If she knew she was a lock as the potential future Queen Consort and did nothing, NOTHING, to prepare for the role in that time? Pathetic.
Why is everything a conspiracy? Most of you are taking rumors as fact and when a few posters try to point out the facts that go against your theory, you discredit it.
And Florc, really? So Prince William giving his daughter his mother’s name as one of her middle names does not honor his mother really but only serves him? Don’t you think he would have named her Diana if he really wanted to only benefit himself? Do you know them personally? Oh, I forgot, it’s your opinion. Sorry. My opinion is that you are grasping at straws here because you dislike Prince William and think he should be who you want him to be.
Notasugar
You can’t make up your mind about credibility – you have soundly refuted many claims Katie Nicholl has written about Kate but now Nicholl is a great source because she supports the Kate bullied Eugenie story? Nice. If a biographer bolsters an agenda you agree with he/she is a reputable one with inside sources. If the info runs counter to your narrative you claim the source is a sycophant or a Middleton mouthpiece. What do you say when the same source changes his/her perspective over time?
When a story is positive it must be PR spin but when a story is negative it is the truth because a leak can’t possibly be lying. When Pippa tries her hand at interesting things and fails she is a useless grifter. When Beatrice does laughably little we should stop picking on her because she is a private citizen. Kate had a barely there friendship with a sex party hostess and everyone should clutch their pearls but anyone who thinks the Yorks are unattractive must hate all women.
Exhausting.
Tammy
+ a lot
Tammy
You’ve missed the point entirely. Completely. Though I understand dismissing my several points to clarify makes the comment more more interesting to jump on. So, you’ve created a new comment. Please don’t respond to mycomment after you’ve created it into something of your own imagination.
Full Stop
And the old jealousy angle? Try harder next time. This isn’t the school yard and we’re not 5.
Imo
I thought you were out of troll food?
This place used to have such great posters. Many have decamped with the new set.
LAK/Nota
Correct. We know of the ring and Harry’s conflicting statements. Past that there’s little that can really be known and the rest is left to assumptions.
Richard Kay (a veteran royal reporter and extremely well respected) has a much different take on the ring. But William in this report, got it first, so again, wasn’t stealing at all.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3068047/How-Wills-defied-courtiers-Diana-s-alive-RICHARD-KAY-explains-Charlotte-s-gone-long-way-ensuring-attempts-airbrush-William-s-mother-stopped-tracks.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
FLORC,
If you (or anyone else) is in doubt, please go and read some of the respected biographers out there: Morton, Junor, and Nicholls, just to name the few off the top of my head. And that isn’t to say biographers are infallible either — they are human. But they are paid to go into more depth than the tabloids are. That’s their job. (Aronson focuses in on the older generations but is fantastic biographer too). You will get a much more rounded, complex picture of the entire Royal Family. Tabloids often skew the perception of either the Monarchy and/or the Royal(s) in question (often both) simply to drive sales. They often feed and promote silly agendas that have nothing to do with the subject at hand. You will still see that (especially with Junor & Seward) but the bias is more obvious and this, easier to ignore. (Junor & Seward are very anti-Diana but can end up also sounding anti-Charles too).
BTW, I’m NOT saying you’ll end up liking any of the Royals any better but you’ll walk away with a much deeper understanding of what’s going on. According to Morton, Junor (who was given permission by both princes to interview their office and friends), and Nicholls the boys had a pact about the ring. Seward, I haven’t read her updated bio on the boys so I can’t comment but she too have contacts (as editor of Majesty) all over the Royal Family.
The reasoning behind her names and comments from Richard Kay on how HM supported the fact that Diana was included.
http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2015/05/princess-charlotte-diana-name-meaning
I have to say how thoroughly unpleasant this conversation has been, IMO. Your name is mentioned the most, and many seem to be attacked, and then have the need to defend themselves. I haven’t learned a single thing, but certainly have had an earful of unpleasantness!
I hate it too. Why the hell are they naming that poor girl after a weak jawed selfish coward like Charlie? Heres hoping that baby rises above her namesake in virtue and conduct.
That’s William’s father. It doesn’t matter what the populace thinks. It’s done out of respect. When I hear the name Charlotte, I’m not thinking Charles and I doubt many others are either.
It didn’t really strike to me to think of Charles either.
Whenever I hear the name Charlotte I think of Princess Caroline’s kid – Charlotte Casiraghi. Not sure if she’s a Princess Charlotte, but when the name was being bandied about, her face kept popping into my mind (even though I know it’s obviously not a reference to her).
i was hoping for alexandra elizabeth diana myself
I also don’t like the name Charlotte. Elizabeth is good because I’ve had it my whole life, and it’s great that they got Diana in there
I got the Elizabeth Diana right, but I was hoping for Alice instead of Charlotte. Actually I was hoping for anything instead of Charlotte. I never could stand that name.
I actually love the name Alice.
I was hoping for Mary as the first name with Elizabeth next. They could have called her Mary Beth to make it stand out a bit. Didn’t care if they included Diana or not. I do wonder if they will just call her Princess as a nickname even though it is also a manner of address. It will take a while for Prince George to wrap his tongue around the pronunciation of Charlotte so, as Queen Elizabeth II nicknamed herself, George will nickname this one.
Attlady – you’re so clearly American!
A British princess would never ever be called Mary Beth. Ever.
I don’t know that Charlotte is named “after” Charles.
Oh I am sure she is. British royals, especially the main family royals, are always named after someone.
Although they probably like the name, too. It’s currently a very very popular name among the masses.
ita minx, they have a very short list to pick from. it just may be that they like it best of the short listed names.
i know a lot of baby charlottes right now and those mothers had more to choose from and im pretty sure none were named after charles.
They should have just named her George, and any other children that they have. Then they could promote an electric grill.
George the Brute vetoed a second George. Not because he is against populating the Empire with George’s but upon meeting the new addition he declared it broken as it couldn’t seem to carry out any of his directives. He is wholly disappointed in this new development and refuses to speak to his sibling or parents until she can properly lift a scepter. At such a time, he will begin her training.
Or Georgia
J. Eyre, I’m eagerly awaiting your tell-all novel in which you detail the inner working’s of George the Brute’s diabolical mind. Amazing.
James…it was supposed to be princess James
And here I was hoping for Princess Buttercup…
Izzy wins. On a more serious note, I think Charlotte pairs well with George (and it’s good to have kids’ names match somewhat, I think), and naming your offspring for family members is a lovely thing to do. It gives them a sense of connection and place in the world. And as to Charlotte having to step into the large shoes left by the granny she’ll never meet in person, I’m guessing she’ll have parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles to reality check that for her.
LOL, j.eyre!!
Ya I don’t like the feminine version of Charles either. Do they even use middle names except formally? Won’t it just be Princess Charlotte when they refer to her? Just like Prince William (I know he has middle names like an arthur and or a louis but nobody calls him that).
Charlotte is a name in Kate’s family, her sister’s middle name. Convenient that it also pays some recognition to William’s father.
jwoolman; with the Middletons’s so firmly in charge, I wouldn’t doubt that Kate used Pippa’s middle name for recognition, rather than for Charles, being mostly convenient, seeing what a complainer he is about George.. Kate is her mother’s daughter before being a royal, and William seems keen to be a part of that “happy” family.
With all due respect – and I sure this will surprise no one – but I love the name Charlotte – it’s strong and confident with a hint of history and pleasingly non-fussy. The Charlottes I know are lovely.
I do too and hope they don’t nickname her Charlie. It’s a lovely name without having to shorten it.
Charlotte is my daughter’s name.
She was 8 last week.
Yes, Charlotte is beautiful, a wonderful choice.
But as I just posted on Facebook, “Sorry, Kate. But there is already a Princess Charlotte.”
There’s something about it that makes me gaga…..it’s just so very stilted to me. I don’t know. And I generally like “old” names. Anyway, I count it a win when I see no apostrophes in the middle of the name and you don’t go “huh” and scratch your head when you hear it (like my poor nephew’s name).
It’s been one of my favorite names ever since Charlotte’s Web.
I live in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, NC so of course I associate the name with George III’s Queen Charlotte….
I love it too. I have two beautiful friends with the name Charlotte but both are called Lottie, which I think is a sweet name. I’ve always wanted to call my future daughter Charlotte.
Elizabeth is also Kate’s middle name so that’s a lovely touch. I think they’ve done well!
You’re not alone, I love it too. Much better than Alice (which I loathe in comparison) and I would have peeled my eyes out if they had given her Diana as a first name….*Shiver*
Charlotte makes me think of harlot, but my dad left my mom for a Charlotte, so there’s that unfortunate reference. I’m open to reconsidering the name however, I’d much rather have a new reference for Charlotte!
Charlotte Lucas? That’s what I’m always going to think of when I hear this baby’s name. Elizabeth Bennet’s sensible friend who married the biggest fool in England.
A better reference, certainly! And here’s hoping this Charlotte will someday find a Mr. Darcy or even a Bingley rather than a Mr. Collins.
HA! That’s how I feel about the name Alice. Maybe if they have another girl, it will be Alice.
I am feeling bad for all of the Charlottes out there that might read this! OUCH!
Yay!! I love it!
It’s cute. There’s really nothing else to say about royal baby names. They’re always so sensible with a nod to the past.
And thank god for that! Imagine a Princess Kynleigh or a Prince Braydyn lol.
I like it! I love the name charlotte.
I’m glad Elizabeth is before Diana. It feels less overwhelming for some reason.
I agree. Naming her Diana would have been such a burden but I’m glad she still is named after her.
Exactly. Using it as her second middle name is perfect placement. Honouring Diana but not burdening her.
Unfortunately, 2nd middlename is still in there. And the press will not care what order the name is in. They will focus on it.
VC- I don’t think the press will really focus on it too much honestly.
We shall see though
FLORC – she is going to be compared to Diana regardless of whether she is named after her. You think because Diana is her third name there is going to be more of an emphasis on the fact that Diana is her grandmother? I don’t think so.
I think the name is lovely – it is very thoughtful and I think it has a nice ring to it.
LNG
No, I don’t think because it’s her 3rd name it makes a difference. That is to another poster.
Though, I think it’s just another reminder.
And I do think the name is lovely. I don’t think I ever said it wasn’t. Really any combo of those classical names are nice.
Well, the Daily Mail is all over the Diana connection. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3067004/Royal-princess-named-Charlotte-Elizabeth-Diana.html
Mazzie, that’s really an article explaining the meanings behind all three names. No more focus on Diana than on the others.
This poor child. The DM can make up a story about anything or anyone. They’re like the National Enquirer, America’s favorite supermarket tabloid. Next week, they’ll be reporting she refused a visit from her namesake, Prince Charles; the week after, she’ll be having a row with her brother.
Agree, and Elizabeth is also Kate’s middle name. I don’t think Diana as a second middle name will have any effect, public or private, on her. She’ll be known as Charlotte, and most people won’t even know her middle names or remember them as time goes by.
Agreed. People will talk about it at first but it will fade pretty quickly since it’s just a second middle name.
My mom’s middle name is Elizabeth, so is mine and I gave it to my daughter as well(I didn’t take my husband’s last name but my daughter has his so the middle name is an attachment to my family).
Not very original but nice. I’m glad it’s not Alice.
I am glad it’s not Alice or Grace
Ditto.
Pretty sure they’re not really allowed original names haha.
According to everything out right now — they had full control over naming their children, it just that William and Kate prefer traditional names.
Beautiful name and a loving way to remember Diana and honor the queen. Charlotte is also the feminine of Charles and is Pippa’s middle name. Elizabeth is Kate’s middle name. Well done!
I think it’s a lovely way of honoring Will’s mother. They’re a great names.
That’s a good name. Very plain, but nice. What is the family last name?
Windsor
She will probably use Cambridge, the same way Wills and Harry used (use?) Wales.
It does not matter they barely ever use them.
I love it. We’ll I said it would be Mary Diana Elizabeth so I had 2 out of 3.
I’m Mary Elizabeth, and to have Diana put in the middle sounds nice.
Ah, now your Celebitchy name makes total sense!
But I usually just go by Mary Beth
Well done! Very pretty, honors the Queen and Diana. Nice.
I like the name.
My sister and I had our mother in to visit days or weeks before our mothers-in-law, and for my sister-in-law, it was the same with her mom. (We are all long distance and careful about not buying plane tickets too close to die dates.) Especially right after birth, I am just more comfortable with my mom.
Honestly at this point, I feel like we have to get over it. Carole is there all the time. That’s the way it’s going to be. Would anyone care if William were married to Jecca Craig and her mother Rosslyn Carroll was such a close part of their family life? It’s just boring now. Let’s snark about something new.
I SO agree with you ! Honestly, after my son’s birth, the first person I wanted to see was my mum, not my husband’s family, period. You can’t blame Kate for that, it’s not very fair.
I completely agree. We live by my husband’s family and honestly outside of holidays we would never see them if WE didn’t make the effort. And they make zero effort to connect with their grandson, my SS. I used to try harder but I have finally resigned myself to just listening to them complain as they do nothing to make us included. I’ve never once been invited to my in laws for a meal not a holiday. My family on the other hand lives out of state and always makes an effort. My SS feels way more comfortable with them because they pay attention and take an interest. So I don’t shame Kate and Will for spending more time with her family. It’s simply the dynamic and it’s not like the royals have been shut out.
Agreed! Unless they ring the doorbell at the exact same time, one set of grandparents is going to see her before the other. To argue that Elizabeth or Charles should see her first simply because they are royalty is classist and doesn’t seem to be in line with how the royals want to be perceived these days anyway.
Totally agree. I can’t criticise her for wanting her mum close by, seems totally normal.
Also, William and Kate look great in these pictures, like loving parents. The picture of them leaving the hospital holding hands is very sweet. If he is becoming ‘Middleton-ised’ then I’m all for it if it means he’s not emotionless and stilted like his father and (though I love her) the Queen.
According to the DM it’s William that makes sure the Middleton’s are included as he’s trying to recreate his happier childhood memories.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3066634/Wills-doting-dad-wants-hide-family-four-away-Prince-keen-balance-home-life-royal-duties.html
The article says he is going to take on “even fewer royal duties.” HAHAHA!! Really?? If there is any threat to the monarchy in Britain, it will be the laziness of these two. People don’t care if William is “Middleton-ized.” In fact, they probably hate it. I never see anyone complaining about the benefits the Queen gets from being Queen. You know why?? She does about 400 events a year. William did, what, 40?? And he is going to do fewer???
Someone should take those two and give them a good talking to about how if you want your house renovations paid for by the public and you want the public to pay your security, then you better get your butt out and do some royal duties.
Dammit!!! Now I have to cross out Charlotte on my baby names list.
Florc: I guess we are left with G rather than C.G?
putting big girl pants on……
May Princess Charlotte of Cambridge grow up to a better fate than her names sake…….all of them.
Lol LAK!
I was thinking the same and so sorry for your loss of a great future baby name!
And I will toast my afternoon tea to that sentiment. And at least a Mary wasn’t in there. As far as past name holders that would have been an awful one to shackle her with!
Wow they really must be close to give her first name to Charles and put Diana last.
In most cases the maternal grandparents meet the baby first. Also, weren’t Charles and Camilla 100 miles away when she was born? I don’t think it’s any big deal who came first.
I am confused that people keep saying Kate is trying to force middle class values on the royal family, but then complain that she has no work ethic. IMO, middle class values include hard work.
I like the name.
That family could certainly use a healthy dose of middle-class values, which include drive, ambition and hard work. Those are the values which built and maintained the country.
As far as I can tell, all Kate does is succumb to royal protocol. Even her children’s names are wholly from the royal side. If she wants to raise the kids in the country so they have a more “normal” lifestyle, well that’s what Diana struggled to give her children too–and was applauded for it.
I don’t have a problem with Kate going with royal protocol — she doesn’t seem burdened by it. If she doesn’t feel weighted down by that kind of protocol, I don’t really see any point in rebelling just for the sake of rebelling.
What I don’t get is why she has no interests in life other than William, but I feel that’s a separate issue from bowing to tradition or going with protocol.
I get the impression that “middle-class” means something different in Britain — like social-climbing. I’m not saying that’s the case here (or how I would personally use the term in relation to Kate or her family, as I don’t know what they’re really like), but whenever the term is used over there it doesn’t sound like the American meaning of “middle-class” (which means something along the lines of hard work). I could be wrong though.
Perplexed: that’s right. We do value hard work, but when someone is described perjoratively as Middle class, it’s more about their social aspirations.
The BRF always raise their children in the countryside. There is nothing unusual or groundbreaking in that. Diana did not raise them to be normal. She was trying to raise them to honor and accept their odd position in this world – without denying them things like going to a toy store with friends.
It is dishonoring Diana’s memory, whether you like her or not, to think she was raising them to disrespect or deny their royal role.
Nota
Here’s my take.
Breaking it down to diana just wanting her boys to thrive in their roles and not to be remembered poorly seems on point with what a mother wats for her children. Especially a mother who gave borth to the monarchy’s future. It’s more than just being happy. It’s about a legacy and honor.
I hope we start seeing George exposed to royal duties like Estelle has been. To keep both children sheltered and raised with “middle class values” knowing that some day they will have to be working royals could be a disaster.
You can expose them to their future roles and still give them privacy and a normal countryside life with hard working middle class values. it’s not 1 or the other. That logic is a facade to hide behind.
So, I agree in a way. To raise those children as William and Kate currently live. Or as Carole and Michael raised their children will hurt Charlotte and George in the long run. They will be functioning without understanding of the system they are suppose to represent.
The comical thing about chucking around accusations about being middle-class is that to many of the longstanding aristocracy, the royal family is (and has been for yonks) rather middle-class itself, if you peer past the distracting trappings of status and ceremony etc. (The Queen herself once described the Devonshires as ‘far too grand for (the likes of) us’!).
Maybe we should employ the much clearer word ‘bourgeois’ anyway, since in Britain at least, literal class distinction’s become very blurred, mixing/confusing actual economic position with the aspirational, and making both trickily inaccurate. There are very well-off, très posh people who have one foot nailed to the floor of the bourgeoisie, whatever their birth or success (naming no famed princes, duchesses, nor princesses.)
(A good fictional example of that working in the opposite direction is Harriet Vane, whose happy absorbtion into the ducal Denver/Wimsey family also highlights a certain lack in her new sister-in-law, the duchess. Harriet’s the naturally gracious one, with no class-based impediments.)
Not a fan.
I’m sorry but I am so annoyed by the middle class shade. So what if Carole visited her grand daughter first ? So what if William likes his in laws more than his family .. I’m sure the middle tons are a breath of fresh air from his stuffy upbringing. Also of course kate is gona spend all her time with her parents , it’s evident that William would rather be alone or with his friends than kate anyway.
Also, in what way are these people remotely middle class anymore? Maybe they started out middle class and aren’t nobility, but they have definitely lived like the 1% for most of their lives. So yeah, middle class shade sucks, but I’m offended that people this rich are tokenised as “middle class”. Please!
They don’t have royal blood, obviously. They’re just the average nouveau riches!
I agree, this as well as all the interest in Kate’s clothes and hair is really petty and a big waste of time imo. There’s more important stuff to pick on them about for sure. I would start with the lack of a work ethic and their history of shirking their royal responsibilities and not pulling their weight relative to hard-working royals like Anne and Sophie Wessex.
I do hope they call her Charlie! (The press probably will.) Charlotte is ok, but to me it is just an excuse for calling a little girl Charlie. 🙂
And it would be my preference that they didn’t, LOL. I was just telling my husband yesterday how much “Charlie” for Charlotte annoys me. Charlotte is such a lovely name, no nicknames needed as far as I’m concerned.
To each our own, Goat. 🙂 Can we agree that Kate and Will have never looked happier than in these photos? Kate in particular looks stunning.
I don’t like Charlie either, although I have two friends who are both called Lottie for short and I really like that.
I think the name Charlotte is beautiful not shortened and know two Charlottes that go by their given name, not shortened, unless maybe by their husbands at times affectionately. Sometimes one woman’s sister and husband call her Char (pronounced Shar), but call her Charlotte most of the time.
Katy, Billy, Georgy and Charly
*cringe*
I’m not a big fan of nicknames.
@Goats
me neither, I cringed while typing, but I read somewhere that Kate calls William Billy, so I just went for it 😀
I worked with a gent one time who had a very lovely given name but was called Bubba because his parents thought it was cute at age two and it just stuck. I died inside a little every single time I had to address him. Nicknames do not do a single thing for me.
I worked with a woman nicknamed Toots, and could never bring myself to call her by name.
In the olden days, she could also have been nicknamed Lottie.
I have an Aunt Tootie; no idea what her real name is.
Aww, that’s a nice name. Checks all the boxes, flows nicely, I like it.
Not terribly pleased about it. I would’ve preferred Victoria or Mary as a first name.
Charles and his mother Elizabeth, two individuals Diana found unhelpful and cold.
That doesn’t mean William doesn’t love and respect his father and grandmother. Charlotte is also a nod to Pippa and Elizabeth is Kate’s middle name. I mean, even if you don’t like the queen’s personality, you’ve got to respect that she is dignified and hardworking. Elizabeth was on my name short list too because of the queen.
I think George and Mary would have sounded peculiar and too much like George V and Queen Mary. This is also about more than Diana. There are three other grandparents involved. We don’t know what actually went on in the Charles and Diana marriage but it does seem as if it was two people totally unsuited to one another. As for middle class values etc etc George and Charlotte have got to be brought up at least partly as royals so they will understand the whole system and realise that they have to give back as well as take. Basically to “serve” if this is not really too strange a word. William has also got to give back. If they don’t the whole system will fall apart. I have always loved all the pomp and colour of royalty but I am beginning to think it very unfair and that we really should have an elected head of state. I frankly would rather a middle class elected head of state than a middle class British royal family and, no, I don’t think the Middletons or even Kate are upper class now. It takes a heckuva lot more than a generation or two with money. As for people comparing Charlotte’s every move with Diana fewer and fewer people actually remember Diana now. My 21 year old daughter does not remember her at all and there is now a whole new generation coming into the world.
I agree that because of historical distance it is most likely that the generations coming up won’t or don’t remember Diana. But because so much archival footage of Diana exists that can be accessed online, I have wondered whether that influences the likelihood of future generations to want to remember her in their imaginations vs other famous royals who preceded her. I suppose however the same could be said for any future royals who are photographed extensively, if the royal family is still around after William.
I love it. It seems perfect. I thought Elizabeth and Diana would be in there somewhere but not as first names. I think its lovely. As for Carol visiting before Charles & Camilla, of course she did. She’s Kate’s mother. I think most women want their mothers. I’m sure Charles is a doting grandpa but probably not much help around the house. I was chuckling over some notion I read elsewhere that it was so “middle class” to leave the hospital without even staying over night. LOL!
I certainly would have prefered Alice (after Alice von Battenberg) over the name they game the child.
I was hoping for Alice as well. I like the name and it would have been a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman.
I think Charlotte also pays tribute to Carole….only because both names have several letters in common without being obvious. As for having Diana in the mix, she’s been gone almost 20 years so I don’t see the name as any kind of “burden.” I think it’s lovely they included it.
I agree about the first name honouring Kate’s mother too. I’ve looked it up and it seems that Carole and Charlotte are *both* French female variants on ‘Charles’. Charles is ‘Carolus’ in Latin, hence ‘Carole’. Surprised more media outlets aren’t mentioning this.
Was hoping for Caroline for this reason, over Charlotte.
oh wow, I did not know that!! If we do read about it in the media we will know it was here on Celebitchy first!! Thanks, ducky!! 🙂
Elizabeth is Caroles middle name, so she’s in there a little
When everybody was throwing out possible first names that are more likely to be used, I took some of them, and that’s the full name in that order to the T I thought would be beautiful.
Kate really looks better after giving birth. Maybe she should just keep on going with the pregnancies. Just kidding.
I noticed her legs, in particular, looked fantastic.
Just prior to the wedding until the end of 2012, her legs were so skinny.
The added weight of her pregnancy along with her work outs have made her legs look spectacular.
I really hope she doesn’t diet herself down to a twig again.
Maybe if you don’t like the name, just say “I don’t like it.” Don’t say “I would have preferred” bc, honestly, who gives a flying fart what some stranger would’ve “preferred”?? I’m not trying to sound bitchy, I just feel bad bc I think she’s in a ‘damned if you do, damned if you don’t’ situation all the time.
Also, I think it’s completely natural for a mom who’s just given birth to have her family there right away. She’s basically been pregnant or raising a young child for the majority of her marriage, so it seems fairly normal (to me at least) that she would want her mom around a lot.
Everybody does that to every mother, it seems. That’s why many stop telling friends and family what they are naming their child before they are born, because you have so many that keep trying to throw out different names, making it clear they don’t like the one you’ve chosen. I’m guilty of doing that to my sister.
Yeah, I don’t really have strong opinions on the naming of other kids — well, as long as you don’t go with something really bizarre like Audio Science. But if the names are the kinds that can get you through life unscathed, I don’t have any strong feelings about the names of people not related to me. Okay, I don’t really like the name Apple, but, other than that…
Charlotte Elizabeth Diana sounds nice enough to me, with or without reference to previous generations.
I agree re names. I completely think it’s fine to dislike a name but to push your opinions of a “better name” or your “preferred name” into someone is jerky.
I have a 2 yo and we didn’t tell anyone the name until right before he was born. It was more due to the fact that if I decided last min to change it, I didn’t have all this monogrammed crap w the wrong name lol.
I love the name Charlotte, it’s a name I’ve been considering for my potential future children. According to People.com, there have been a few royals named Charlotte throughout British history so I don’t think it’s just a nod to Charles. I’m surprised they threw in Diana but hopefully that doesn’t cause too much emotional baggage. I like Charlotte SO much better than George.
I also thought Kate looked way more exhausted this time around in front if the hospital than she did with George.
Well, it makes sense she’d look exhausted, mere hours after giving birth.
But she still looked wonderful.
Obviously. But the last time she came out of the hospital she was bouncing around fresh as a daisy after George, I was so surprised she didn’t look more tired. I think she stepped out much sooner this time after giving birth which would account for her exhaustion.
Any woman would look exhausted mere hours after giving birth, and if she went through labour naturally like she did with George that’s gotta hurt. Kudos to her for marching her baby out of the hospital right away to go home and bond.
‘Charlotte’ is principally a nod to Dame Helen Mirren, who is not only our alternative queen, but also our mental incarnation of good old Queen Charlotte, dontcha know.
😉
The probable delay releaaing the name was getting the okay from QEII that Diana was one of the middle names. Right? It’s not like everyone hasn’t already predicted the names before hand.
There have been several Queen Charlottes of England, so I doubt she’s named after Prince Charles. One Queen Charlotte was even black. Perhaps this naming will bring more attention to her, as not many people know that. She was the wife of King George III (the mad one) in the 1700s. She was played by Helen Mirren in “The Madness of King George” which is a shame, because it would have been the perfect time to have a person of color portray the Queen as she was.
King George III’s second wife was Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. She was the youngest daughter of a German duke, and ethnically speaking you don’t get much more white than that. Some observers of the time commented that she had a dark complexion (for a white person) and flared nostrils, which in recent years has led to unverifiable claims that the Portuguese side of her ancestry included a Moor (i.e., a European Muslim, likely to be dark-skinned, and possibly African in appearance) back in the 13th century. But, even if this genealogical speculation is correct, you’d have to be the most avid subscriber to the “one-drop” theory of blackness to say that Charlotte herself was “black”. It would have been fascinating if George III *had* married a woman with significant African heritage, but that definitely did not happen.
Queen Charlotte’s appearance is fascinatingly replicated in royal women down the years, particularly, in recent times, in Princess Anne, imo, and indeed HMQ, in her old age. Charlotte’s ‘stamp’ seems to be principally the lower half of her face The family portrait by Zoffany, of Charlotte and her siblings, is most arresting in terms of recognition. (You can see a couple of early 20th century queen consorts in her as well.)
Interesting read here on Charlotte: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/mar/12/race-monarchy
@mabel, Princess Anne seems to have inherited her hair texture as well.
Philippa was the first black queen of England. She was the wife of Edward III and had Moorish ancestry.
I’m pretty sure that she is more likely named after Charles than a Queen Consort and Princess who lived 250 years ago.
I’m not sure why people are so adverse to the fact that William and Kate may have named the child after her grandfather. I know the narrative is that Charles is distant from them and whatnot, but this kid is royal, Charles will be king, he is the grandfather and it all adds up that the name was a tribute.
And they probably liked it as well. As I mentioned earlier, it is a pretty name that is enjoying a huge swing in popularity now.
I expected Elizabeth to be in the mix, I’m surprised they went for Diana (but not shocked, although I thought they’d save that for a second daughter), but I REALLY REALLY wish they had chosen a different first name. Nothing against the name, but it’s SOOO overused right now! I was hoping they’d go slightly less obvious with Eleanor, Madeleine, Mary, or even Emily or Amelia. Oh well, not my kid and I wish her a long, healthy and happy life.
I’m sure the Queen would have preferred to leave Diana out of the mix but I was absolutely certain William would insist on her name being included. He was very close to his mother while she was alive.
I can see putting her name after Elizabeth 1) because of precedence and 2) it does sound better. Charlotte Diana Elizabeth sounds kind of awkward whereas Charlotte Elizabeth Diana has a nice flow to it.
Or they throw Elisabeth in the mix to avoid to give her the exact name of Earl spencer youngest daughter! I’ m kidding but when they annonced the name i just remembered that Diana s brother named his last one Charlotte Diana .
I can’t believe I’m even mentioning this when CED is only two days old, the mention of saving the name for a second daughter made me think of it…but I wonder if there will be a third and even a fourth from these two. Most of the royals seem to stop at two these days, don’t they?
Considering how much she enjoys her “maternity leave” to avoid royal duties, I wouldn’t be surprised if they had at least one or two more. Both Charles and Diana are/were one of four siblings, and Kate is the oldest of three, so I don’t think they will stop at two like all of Queen Elizabeth’s children did. Which is fine, because I think larger families are great! (speaking as a mom of four) 🙂
I also wonder if perhaps it was a pre-agreed way to honor Diana and yet “save” the name for any future daughter of Harry.
One topic which hasn’t been discussed is the colour of Princess Charlotte’s eyes since she was asleep when presented to the world.
Someone mentioned it was unusual George has brown eyes since his parents don’t have brown eyes. I thought Kate has brown eyes, doesn’t she?
Kate has dark hazel eyes which looked black in her baby pictures. This seems to have been the case for Pippa and James as well. Dark eyes as babies which lighten to a dark Hazel/brown in adulthood.
PGtips had very dark eyes, but the close up of his face from yesterday show that his eyes are a very dark hazel ie too light to be a proper brown and too dark to be a proper hazel. Time will tell.
There was no doubt re- colour of Diana’s eyes. I can still recall the beautiful portraits of Diana released prior to the wedding. Stunningly beautiful blue eyes. Yes, the eyes are the mirror of the soul.
Charlotte probably has light gray or blue eyes right now. That’s because most (98%) Caucasian babies are born with light gray or blue eyes. Their eye color can change as more melanin is deposited in the eye as they grow.
Love it.
Was hoping for Alexandra Mary.
Better then Alice though.
Maybe because there’s already a Princess Alexandra of Kent in the family they wanted to avoid that name.
And Alexander is one of Prince George’s middle names: George Alexander Louis.
Figured Charlotte or Caroline. Congrats. Long life, Princess Charlotte.
I love the idea of calling her Charlie. George and Charlie. It’s sassy.
I was gunning for Victoria, after her great x 5 grandmother, who was a total bad ass. But this is ok. I’m just glad to know the name!
I love the names!!! Charlotte has also been increasing in popularity lately in the US too. I know they won’t call her this, but Princess Charlie just sounds so adorable.
Just a random thought…growing up I knew several Charlottes and they were nicknamed Lottie. I think now the preferred nickname is Charlie….but Lottie is kinda cute.
Charlotte also makes me think of desserts…Charlotte Russe, Apple Charlotte…
I love the abbreviation Lottie. However, here in the UK, at least, it has a very old fashioned ring to it, which might explain why I’ve never known a Charlotte who used it rather than ‘Char’ or ‘Charlie’. On the other hand, those sorts of Victorian/Edwardian names seem to be back in style, so perhaps that’s the direction they’ll go in. 🙂
Perhaps the next one could be Spenser Alice Grace.
I love the idea of sticking Spenser in there – also as a modern girl name. Fat chance, I reckon.
It’s actually SpenCer.
Yes, of course, thanks. My atrocious spelling strikes again.
I did not mean she should be named after a mall gift store specializing in black light posters.
People are getting overtwisted about Kate’s mother. She’s Kate’s MOTHER. It’s normal for her to be there supporting her daughter through pregnancies, births, and dealing with their crazy in-laws. If Charles wanted to be there first, he would have been. Honestly. The British royal family is so dysfunctional that when a normal family is seen in operation, it’s assumed to mean some deep dark agenda.
Ok, does anyone think they’ll have more? I tend to think not. She’s 33, and while that’s not too old to have more children, they have a boy and a girl, and the early stages of her pregnancies were reportedly rough.
I actually would like it if they had more–two more. I just think it’s interesting to see how the somewhat common* genes of Kate and the royal genes of William blend. They do seem to make very handsome babies. But that’s not really a good reason for having more, just a selfish one on my part.
(I know her family is wealthy through industry, so I don’t mean common as in peasanty.)
She’s 33??? So? She could easily have two more kids at least, if she wants to.
If you read what I wrote, I said “that’s not too old to have more children.”
Well technically you wrote “and while that’s not too old…” which kind of gave the impression that you thought age is a factor in some ways. If not, why mention it at all?
I mentioned it because some people don’t want to continue having children deeper into their 30s, and she just might be one of those people.
It’s no use denying your age CAN BE a factor in family-planning, that’s why I mentioned it. It’s not a factor health wise or fertility wise for her at this point, but sometimes people don’t want to still be diapering newborns in their late 30s/early 40s, that’s all.
Age can be a factor. So can rough pregnancies, how you feel about having a larger family, etc. Lots of factors. Age wasn’t the only one I mentioned, but it was the only one you seem to have noticed.
Well you mentioned only 2 factors – age and rough early stage of pregnancy. I mentioned age specifically because when you’re 33 years old age is not a factor when it comes to pregnancy. If she were 43 I’d be singing a different tune.
ps. hey at least I didn’t comment on the “common* genes of Kate and the royal genes of William” bit, not even gonna go there, I assume you were teasing
I was referring to the fact that for generations upon generations, the royal families of Europe all married each other, and Kate is not from any of the European royal families. It’s something I’ve seen mentioned on this site many times.
“Eddie” from Absolutely Fabulous said it best, though in a satirical way (of course):
“They have to marry a bit of common every now and then to ensure bone development!”
And no, age is not a factor at 33 for health reasons, and usually not for fertility reasons, either, but as I explained in my response, sometimes people don’t WANT to continue having children further into their 30s. (That’s now the second time I’ve explained that.) Obviously, this is something up to them, and I was engaging in idle speculation, as people do on celebrity gossip sites.
Kate wants 3. William wanted 2. Time will tell.
That was never confirmed by anyone. Sources never named. circumstances never given. The story Kate claimed she wanted 3 through sources talking to a rag says it all. They went as far as to claim Kate said she would have to be pregnant within 2 years time. Past that there would be no children? It could get harder to conceive, but still possible.
On the other side William is on the record a few times saying only 2.
Time indeed will tell.
Well, many have stated William is the boss, so I guess this is it.
well, her parents have 3 so they might have another. And didn’t Diana supposedly say she would have loved more? I say go for it, it’s not like they can’t afford it. (easy for me to say as I am not a British taxpayer LOL 😉 )
It’s perfect! Love Charlie.
I love the name and I hope this won’t start a trend in my country.
I think the name Charlotte is a big snooze, but at least ‘Camilla’ is nowhere to be found. As for the Middletons in residence…for heaven’s sake, Kate just had a baby and she wants her Mom around. It’s hardly shocking. (And it seems like the Middleton values might be one up from Charles’ values.)
Oh! I love it. I actually guessed Charlotte Elizabeth Frances – so close! She’s a darling baby – congrats to them!
hmm so it´s what everyone was thinking for months? I swear i´ve read Charlotte Elizabeth Diana on several sites months ago.
They hit all the right notes with her name. No one was left out. I like “Charlie!”
I like the name “Charlotte.” “Elizabeth” is also apparently Carole’s middle name. I’m glad the little princess is also named after Diana to honor her memory. Congratulations to William and Catherine on their new addition!
Beautiful name, girl’s off to a great start in life!
Can’t Charlotte also be a reference to Carol? Carol/Carole is ultimately derived from the same name as Charles.
Incidentally, it makes me batty when people name their daughters Charlotte and Caroline because they’re derivations of the SAME DANG NAME.
But they’re NOT the same name! They sound nothing alike.
They’re derivations of the same Latin root. To me, it would be like naming your kids Jose And Joseph. They don’t sound the same but they’re from the same root. I’ve always been a name nerd, and that stuff kills me. I guess it’s still better than the Madysyns and Brayelynns of the world.
They are derived from the same root but they are not at all the same names.
However, I’m sure the middle name is in part to honor Carol, who also has the middle name Elizabeth.
To me, they’re far too similar for siblings. Both gorgeous names, but not for siblings. Then, I took A LOT of Latin in school, so I might be more bugged by these things than I should be.
Yes! John and Jack bother me too. Jack is a nickname for John for Heaven’s sake!
I love the name Charlotte! It’s become pretty popular again in the last few years and I bet a lot of moms are pissed. Lol.
That Daily Beast article was hilarious. I’m getting a visual on Charles and Camilla in a royal snit because Carol and Michael saw the baby before they did. For Pete’s sake, they’re the maternal grandparents, of course the mother is going to want to see her own parents first. What new mother wouldn’t?
The upper classes really could use a healthy infusion of the middle-class values they deprecate so much. They come off as stuffy and ridiculous, looking down their patrician noses at the Great Unwashed.
Dang it! I just KNEW it would be Neveah Destineeee.
Or Madison McKayla. Or Ava Whatever. Spare us all from trendy names.
I was leaning towards Esmerelda. Esmerelda Poppy Joy has a nice ring to it.
bahahahahahahaha!!! best comment ever
Khaleesi.
Maybelline Mustique 😉
Ha! A missed opportunity or she’s saving this for the next one!
Tru fax, I love all of these
Its a very pretty name, with still being very appropriate.
And as for Kate–for someone who is so supposedly hell-bent on being “normall” and “common” she sure does enjoy the perks of being an heir line royal.
( Thats more directed at the media who makes up this rubbish about her wanting to keep things common than to Kate herself)
Charlotte Elizabeth Diana–those are the names, plus Victoria, I had for the first baby. Lol Then I got caught up this time with Alice and Mary. Charlotte not only has a long royal history but is also the feminine version of Charles–which would be especially nice since Charles had longed for a daughter and now gets a granddaughter to spoil. It’s also Pippa’s middle name. Elizabeth has the obvious history but is also Catherine and Carole’s middle name so honors the Middleton branch as well and Diana, well, pretty obvious. And George III and Charlotte were the parents of the first Duke of Cambridge so some nice symbolism there. Ironically it wasn’t used too much after Queen Victoria because she didn’t like the name, even though it was her grandmother’s. Perhaps because of the tragedy of Princess Charlotte of Wales whose death, with her child, in childbirth brought about Victoria’s birth and ascension to the throne. Queen Alexandra (Victoria’s daughter-in-law) had it in her name. As did her daughter Queen Maud. Except for Maud and Margaret Connaught (daughter of Victoria’s son Arthur and grandmother of the present King of Sweden and Queen of Denmark), none of Victoria’s children or British grandchildren had the name. And with Maud and Margaret it probably had more to do with their mothers’ heritage than their fathers’. It’s nice the baby bears names relating to her grandfather (Charles), grandmothers (Diana and Carole Elizabeth), aunt (Philippa Charlotte), great-grandmother (Elizabeth) and others. Most of the immediate family was honored in some way with either George or Charlotte. And some say that Charlotte is a fancier version of Carole so perhaps a nod there too.
Victoria might have also avoided the name out of respect. It was said that King George VI ask their not be another Princess Charlotte (his request actually had to do with the naming of Victoria herself).
let’s see how long until the media calls her Bonnie Princess Charlie.
They’ve already started – its the front page headline for the Daily Mail.
Already done over at the DM.
Yay, I’m one for two again. Last time I knew it would be a boy but I said they’d name him Arthur and this time, I said it’d be a boy again but guessed Charlotte. I’m kind of surprised they went with Diana after all but I like the name.
Love the name, especially since it’s a nice tribute to both sides of the family Elizabeth also happens to be Kate’s mother’s middle name.
The baby is adorable.
Love the name. Very classical. Maybe all her close friends will call her Lizzy for Elizabeth.
It’s just so… basic. I wish it were more fussy.
Really not a fan of Charlotte but she was hardly going to be called Carole, was she.
I like the name, and she’s really a cute baby.
Aw.I love it!Can’t wait to see her with that dozer of a brother.Congrats and good health.
I guessed it exactly! I actually quite like Charlotte, but I wonder if she’ll go by a nickname.
Predicable name but not sure i would like to get called ‘Charlie’, maybe Lottie is a better nickname.
Wonder when the Divine Mrs C is going to give birth. She’s due about now.
Am sure they’ll follow the Cambridges and get ‘papped’ leaving the Lindo Wing with the new heir to the otter, alien kingdom. You know, Bendy is royalty as well – he’s a descendant of Richard III.
Nobody is a descendant of Richard III. Bendy is collaterally related to Richard, but then so is the Queen! 🙂
Not directly that we know off, yet – he did have a couple of illegitimate children. Thou not sure what happened to them and their lineage.
He had a son John of Gloucester who never married that we know of. He had a daughter Katherine Plantagenet who did marry, but apparently did not have any children (she was only married a short time). There was a possible third and unacknowledged son Richard of Eastwell, a bricklayer in Kent, but there is nothing about him having children either.
Of course I guess the sons could have had illegitimate children themselves! 🙂
I personally don’t see the necessity of nicknaming a two-syllable name. Charlotte is lovely and to call her Charlie just negates the beauty of the name.
I think it’s a lovely name and has that nice Regency-Jane Austen vibe, which is popular today. I’m very glad they honored the queen as well – and Diana of course. She’s a sweet little baby!
I think regardless of her names, the Diana factor would always to follow this little girl. So, it’s great that she has that as one of her middle names, and also of the queen, too. It’s a nice nod to both of her relatives. Not sure about the name Charlotte, though. Whatever. She’s a cute kid and it will be fun to watch her grow up, if her parents let her be seen, that is.
I love all of the names. It’s actually comforting that they chose such classic, honor names. I guessed Margaret Elizabeth Diana. SO close!
I’m not shading crazy names. My son’s name is Wilder (my maiden name) and I have all kinds of off the beaten path names in my wish list for this next baby. But The names they chose befit royalty.
Hey that’s my name! And Elizabeth is my mom’s middle name. I really like it 🙂
Love the names! Beautiful baby! I think these two are really solid and will be great parents. Kate appears tired but looks gorgeous. Cute family.
I was really rooting for Khaleesi Shonda Bey Beckham Superstar. Oh well.
I love the name Charlotte. I like it much better than Alice. Alice sounds like an old lady’s name. I’m happy they used Diana as a middle name.
I was just reading on The Daily Mail that Earl Spencer (Diana’s brother) has a 2 year old daughter named Charlotte Diana. Under these circumstances they should have selected a different name IMO. I feel bad for the little girl not only does she have to share her name with a close family member but that family member is also a Princess.
Elizabeth is Carole Middleton’s middle name as well.
good name but Princess Charlie no. Princess Carly sounds nice
Why not give the baby a fresh start on life–an original name of her very own?
I will never understand why you Americans care so much about this tax scrounging archaic establishment. Maybe because your hard earned cash does not hanker to the silver spoons that are firmly shoved up their lazy arse gobs?
They pay attention and praise by large because they don’t have to pay. The image they see is romantic. The news they get is filtered to boast of the best.
IMO few get any actual news/facts and evven less want to know. It’s the image sold and nothing more.
A Hallmark for example is calling the Queen adorable because of her outfits. Nothing of her reign.
I’m an American and I assure you that I am not wearing my rose-colored glasses when looking at the British royals. Being on realistic sites such as this has knocked out any romantic notions I might have had about them once upon a time.
Feeshalori
I was speaking more to majority of americans that follow the british royals. Sadly, very few actually care to look behind the curtain. It’s just another source for mindless entertainment.
I remember early on (like many here) I was rooting for Kate. Still, always thought “but what does she do?” And then the gritty details came out. Not someone who should be idolized or for young girls to emulate. And much of that is from William. The more learned about him the less there is to see as rosy.
I realized that, FLORC, my statement was actually directed to Tila and – whoops – it wound up in the wrong spot! If I start talking about the nitty gritty details about the royals with friends, coworkers and relatives who have that fairytale view, they look at me as if I had two heads.
Charlotte Elizabeth was my girl name, but I had all boys!